America is more large and complex than ever before. Does that make the Constitution out of date and irrelevant? How can a document created over 200 years ago be useful today?

I believe that the Constitution matters more than ever before precisely because America has become large and complex.

The limits on the federal government, the inspired balances of power, and other powerful Constitutional provisions protect the American people from government becoming tyrannical, oppressive, and out of control.

But government IS becoming tyrannical, oppressive, and out of control. Why isn’t the Constitution working?

Because rulers are choosing to ignore Constitutional restraints and we, the people, are not holding them accountable. These politicians say that the Constitution is a “living document” and means whatever they say it means.

Unwise or evil politicians persuade people that rulers know best and will take care of the people if only we give them more money and power. But oppressive and repressive regimes throughout history almost always make persuasive promises to enslave their constituents.

Thomas Jefferson and our founding fathers understood well the evils of a tyrannical government. Jefferson said, "The two enemies of the people are criminals and government, so let us tie the second down with the chains of the Constitution so the second will not become the legalized version of the first."

Constitutional principles work. They helped America become a country of unprecedented freedom, peace, and prosperity.

But the people must be vigilant and require rulers to obey the Constitution. Then it becomes an invisible wall to protect the people from politicians who would mortgage our children's future to make persuasive promises that the politicians can't really keep.

I watched the video below as I was thinking about the Constitution. The wall in the video seemed to represent the power of the Constitution to protect us and our children from unwise or evil leaders.

Recently, Thomas Sowell replied to Time magazine's article on the Constitution, "Does It Still Matter?"

Here is an excerpt from Sowell's insightful article, "The Constitution Matters."

"The Fourth of July may be just a holiday for fireworks to some people. But it was a momentous day for the history of this country and the history of the world.

Not only did July 4, 1776, mark American independence from England, it also marked a radically different kind of government from the governments that prevailed around the world at the time — and the kinds of governments that had prevailed for thousands of years before.The American Revolution was not simply a rebellion against the king of England, it was a rebellion against being ruled by kings in general. That is why the opening salvo of the American Revolution was called “the shot heard ’round the world.”Autocratic rulers and their subjects heard that shot — and things that had not been questioned for millennia were now open to challenge. As the generations went by, more and more autocratic governments around the world proved unable to meet that challenge.Some clever people today ask whether the United States has really been “exceptional.” You couldn’t be more exceptional in the 18th century than to begin your fundamental document — the Constitution of the United States — with the momentous words, “We the people.”Those three words were a slap in the face to those who thought themselves entitled to rule and who regarded the people as if they were simply human livestock, destined to be herded and shepherded by their betters. Indeed, to this very day, elites who think that way — and they include many among the intelligentsia, as well as political messiahs — find the Constitution of the United States a real pain because it stands in the way of their imposing their will and their presumptions on the rest of us." Read more here...

Time Magazine's recent cover story on the Constitution was disappointing, to say the least. Written by Time's managing editor, Richard Stengel, the article questions whether the Constitution is still relevant in our modern world.

Besides being factually incorrect, the article misses the timeless genius behind the Constitution. Our Constitutional government has created unprecedented freedom, peace, and prosperity for countless millions. The principles of the Constitution are timeless because they are based on human nature, and human nature has not changed.

To read the United States Constitution, click here... It's only 21 pages long!

If you would like to learn about the genius of the Constitution, click "LEARN" on the menu above to find excellent lessons and seminars about the Constitution.

If you are interested in learning the 13 major fallacies in Time's article, you can read about it here...

“It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” George Washington

Amid the daily routine and struggles, it can be hard to believe, or even imagine, that our conduct can affect more than ourselves, and maybe our kids.

Have you ever considered the possibility that your influence can be "co-extensive with the world?" Do you believe you can make a difference for our country, and even "stamp political happiness" on "ages yet unborn?" Is it your "highest ambition" to "extend [your] views beyond [yourself] " and "bear in mind" the immense influence your conduct may have?

George Washington's life is an eloquent, even unbelievable, example of the power in his counsel. Who could have imagined the influence this rural farmer from Virginia would have on countless millions over the years? What was his secret?

I believe he shares the source of his influence in a letter he wrote to his wife, Martha (whom he affectionately refers to as “Patsy.”) Dated June 19, 1775, the letter tells Patsy his feelings about being appointed as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army:

“You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you, in the most solemn manner that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family, but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity....

“But as it has been a kind of destiny, that has thrown me upon this service, I shall hope that my undertaking is designed to answer some good purpose....I shall rely, therefore confidently on the Providence, which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I shall return safe to you.”

Although he felt inadequate, George Washington relied confidently on the providence of God to make him equal to his challenges and opportunities.

With the Fourth of July coming up, it's a great time to introduce our children to wonderful patriotic music. One of my favorite collections of patriotic songs for children is called "Take Your Hat Off When the Flag Goes By." Made by Brite Music, this book and CD teach about our nation's founding and the Constitution.

The music is beautiful and teaches important principles for young patriots to know.

Brite Music graciously consented for me to share a song with you. I chose "Here In America." Here are the words:

Here In America

Here in America young men dared to dream Of democracy, liberty, far from a foreign king.Here in America troubled souls took heart,For they hoped with their mightThat the light of democracy would have a start.

And they dreamed of freedom, they schemed for freedom,They talked of freedom, they fought for freedom,And they planned for freedom, this land for freedom,And our great republic was born.

Soon from America, this blessed, peaceful, land,Gleamed a ray of hope for those who groped'Neath an oppressive hand.Oh, dear America, may you always beA pillar of strength till at length All the world can live in liberty.

"In a world of moral confusion, and of arbitrary and unlimited government, America's founding principles are our best access to permanent truths and the best ground from which to question the current direction of our nation. Join Matt Spalding, author of We Still Hold These Truths and an authority on American political thought and religious liberty at The Heritage Foundation, as he highlights some everyday Americans on a journey to reclaim our future."

As we look forward to Independence Day, this video reminds us to reflect on our legacy of liberty.